Date:         Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:26:37 -0400
Reply-To:     David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Normal voltage of a battery at rest?
Comments: To: courtney hook <courtneyhook@SHAW.CA>
In-Reply-To:  <f317b50333958.4ba352ab@shaw.ca>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

At 01:32 PM 3/19/2010, courtney hook wrote:
>2) Is that too low a voltage to get my 33 yr old to crank reliably,
>so time for a hard start relay? It seems that if I crank it over
>when it's still dropping down right after a charge and showing 13+
>volts it will fire quickly. At 12.38 very hesitant??? As per usual, thanks

Hard-start relay helps the solenoid engage properly.  If it starts
poorly from the ignition switch but well from a wire direct from
solenoid control terminal to the alternator post, then a hard-start
relay should help you.  Incidentally I keep a clip-lead permanently
rigged to the solenoid extra terminal, and tied off so I can just
reach the alternator stud with the other end.  Very handy for testing
and whatever, and unlike a mechanic's remote starter switch it can be
left permanently rigged.  It's the kind from RS that has crocodile
clips, with a boot over the clip that can extend beyond the end of the clip.

Yours,
David